My mother-in-law buys gifts for us from her adult children without them knowing. Just puts their names on it. They are both able to afford to buy gifts themselves. They never purchase gifts themselves.
2006-07-06 04:34:23 · 17 answers · asked by cawecm 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
------------------------------------------------------
what a strange thing to do. generous, but still a bit odd.
it is not as bad as "inappropriate" but I would still be a bit uncomfortable with it. OK before the children were adults but not now.
Not much you can say as it is your Mother-in-Law. Perhaps thank HER for the presents as though they were addressed from her. She might take the hint. Diplomacy.
2006-07-06 04:44:06 · answer #1 · answered by XT rider 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your mother-in-law is trying to create good family relationships and is willing to do the work to make it happen. Ask her to stop, that it really is a waste of money and agree to just buy gifts for the children (under age 18). Of course, the children will go shopping and buy gifts for grandma and that's it.....adults don't exchange. This comes in handy when families get big and the holidays become a financial burden.
2006-07-06 11:41:25 · answer #2 · answered by miatalise12560 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is fine. Everyone knows what's going on. That's just her way of showing love. She probably likes to buy and give gifts and this is just one more excuse. Say thank-you. Let her be herself. Some people really like to buy and give gifts. Others don't. Let her be in her little world. It's really not a real problem.
2006-07-06 11:38:44 · answer #3 · answered by BonesofaTeacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a sweet gesture on her part. But if you don't like it tell her its just not necessary. But if the siblings do know then they should be ashamed of themselves for letting their mother still do that, especially if she can not afford to be buying gifts.
2006-07-06 11:40:31 · answer #4 · answered by gypsy g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is probably like my wife. At Christmas or on birthdays, I get as much surprise as the receiver, to find out what exactly I gave them as a present. I doubt if I have ever bought anyone a present or gift in the last 30 years. Whenever I used to do it, I always bought the wrong size, colour, type, too expensive, too cheap, etc., etc. I prefer to leave it to my wife nowadays...... (and it keeps her happy too)..........
2006-07-06 11:42:41 · answer #5 · answered by thomasrobinsonantonio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know where they are coming from so just think of it as a gift from her. she sounds very kind its not her fault her kids are duds.
I think she just wants you to like her family. Be grateful it is the thought that counts anyway, right..
2006-07-06 11:38:32 · answer #6 · answered by dido45dido 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like she has them spoiled and I would be offended, but I also have distant family members that my parents and grandparents do that for. I guess it depends on how close you are to them. I wouldn't worry about spending too much on them when it came time to give gifts...
2006-07-06 11:39:12 · answer #7 · answered by heasleyaa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free stuff?
Stop looking the gift horse in the mouth.
TFTP
2006-07-06 11:38:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very interesting-almost like she is trying to "buy" your affection for them, or assist with building a meaningful relationship. Perhaps she feels out of control in another area in her life, so she controls this aspect?
2006-07-06 11:37:57 · answer #9 · answered by curiositycat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oooooooooo. She never let them go. They are still her babies. It is nice though, that she wants to make one son happy - allthough the other son doesn't know.
The important thing is that it is done in a good meaning. She does not want any bad feelings. I think it is cute.
2006-07-06 11:37:50 · answer #10 · answered by Tones 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋